Chapter 296 Chapter 296
"By the way... I should probably teach you how to shield your side of the bond," he said, closing the door after them.
"What?" Rayena asked, glancing at him. "Why?"
"Well, you can let it down when we're alone and together, but when I'm off doing my duties, it can become a little distracting," he explained, walking up to her.
"Oh..." Rayena murmured, her eyes widening. Xenon nodded.
A thought occurred to her then, a faint blush staining her cheeks. "Does this mean I can feel your rut now before it hits?" she asked, and Xenon furrowed his brows.
"I guess... if it goes back to being erratic."
He answered, wrapping his hands around her waist, pulling her flush against himself. "You'll be able to notice and be better prepared."
"That's nice," Rayena muttered, her eyes glimmering.
A raindrop fell on Rayena's cheek, and Xenon wiped it away. "Come on, let's go inside," he said, pulling her along.
Rayena shrieked as she ran alongside him, giggling as the wind picked up speed, moving her hair around her face. Her chest exploded with that familiar warmth of happiness, his and hers combined, and she couldn't stop smiling.
They made it back to the cottage before it began raining heavily, and Xenon twirled her around before settling her on her feet, raining kisses on her face.
She felt cherished as she looked up at him, her hands placed on his shoulders. He gazed at her with a tender look in his eyes, the rain drowning out the world around them.
It was in this moment she knew she could never love another man the way she loved the male standing in front of her. He lowered himself, pressing a chaste kiss on her nose, and murmured, “I’ll go make dinner. You make yourself comfortable, alright?”
Rayena nodded, and he pulled away from her, heading towards the kitchen.
She watched him go before walking towards the fireplace, adding more wood and stoking the glowing embers, reigniting the fire, heat and warmth flooding the room.
While Xenon busied himself in the kitchen, Rayena made them a cozy spot in front of the fireplace, waiting patiently for Xenon to arrive with the food.
It soon came, and Xenon served the both of them. She muttered her thanks, and they instantly dug in, sitting across from each other. It was cozy, quiet save for the thundering and pouring of the rain outside the window.
Afterwards, Xenon pulled her closer, and they stayed snuggled close to the fire.
Rayena watched the burning embers and eventually spoke up, breaking the silence.
“Xenon… when would we be going back?”
“Not for a while,” he groaned back, burying his face in the crook of her neck. “I still want us to spend a couple more days here. But once we return, we’ll be preparing for your coronation.”
Rayena stiffened, her eyes widening. “What? Coronation?”
“Yes. For you to be my queen.”
“What… what did we just do?” she asked, flustered, turning so she could look at him.
She caught the wry smile on his face before he spoke. “The mating ritual was to acknowledge you as my mate and equal. But for you to be my queen, that’s to acknowledge you as a ruler alongside me. It was one of the major things I struggled with in the past, since my court wouldn’t accept you. But now, things are different.”
“Indeed they are,” Rayena muttered. She didn’t know if she should be relieved or concerned about that.
“I didn’t know that. So, my coronation will take place once we return?” she asked for extra confirmation.
“As soon as I get the chance. I don’t want to tarry anymore.”
He caught the worry in her eyes and caressed her cheeks. “Don’t be nervous. I’m sure with all of this that has happened, the people will be more than eager to take you as their queen.”
“I hope so,” Rayena gulped.
“I know so,” Xenon stressed. “Now stop worrying. I can feel it, you know?”
“Oh…” Rayena trailed off, remembering the bond thrumming between them. “Right, you can feel it. Sorry, still getting used to all of this.”
He smiled and pressed her against him, pressing his lips against her hair, his warm breath tickling her scalp. “Everything will be alright. Don’t you worry.”
Rayena let out a sigh, closing her eyes as she muttered a soft prayer to the heavens.
Please, gods, let it be.
.
.
.
After a couple more days in the cottage, it was time to return to the palace.
At the dawn of the day they were to depart, Xenon woke Rayena up, and they dressed in comfortable clothing. Once they stepped out of the cottage and locked the door behind them, Xenon shifted into a half-form and crouched before her. Rayena laughed softly as she climbed onto his back, arms wrapping around his shoulders.
They tore through the forest like the wind itself
The air felt different—alive, and there were noticeable changes in the landscape. Moss and little grasses covered the forest ground, and the trees that had dried up already had shoots coming out from their branches. Rayena pressed her cheek briefly against Xenon’s shoulder, her chest swelling with something close to awe. All of this made Rayena even more excited to return.
It was revitalizing, to say the least.
Xenon slowed only when a carriage came into view, already waiting at the forest’s edge.
Rayena slid off his back while he took back his complete male form and stepped into the carriage, the footman bowing deeply as he opened the door for them.
Rayena sat in first, Xenon settling beside her. Rayena rested her head on his shoulder, and the rest of the journey continued in the carriage. As they crossed through villages, people recognized the sigil on the carriage and knew it was the king and his mate on the way back to the palace.
Most people cheered and waved as they rode past, greeting the king and his mate as they returned. A woman dropped to her knees as the carriage rolled past, pressing her forehead to the wet ground. A little boy ran alongside the horses for several heartbeats, waving both arms wildly before his mother caught him, laughter ringing through the air.
Rayena looked out the window, astounded by their reactions. They were bewildered but not surprised, so they simply accepted this new display of love and unity. The crowd grew larger as they approached more densely populated areas, and by the time they reached the palace, a small crowd had formed, chanting their names and singing their praises.
Morvan had to step out with his soldiers to hold them back as the carriage rode past the gates. Rayena was more than glad to be back.